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All About Hipp's Hideaway

~ DETAILED   INFORMATION  LETTER from  ~ Hipp’s Hideaway ~

     Thank you for your interest in our vacation rental!  This letter includes follow-up information about "Hipp's Hideaway" that you can't find from a list of amenities...  I'd  like to continue to talk to you in person as well, as there are many wonderful things about our lake home that won’t show up in print!  Browse through the titles and read what interests you.  Then give me a call or email so we can lock in your dates!    Here’s some background on what we fondly call“The Cat”:

  BACKGROUND INFORMATION

      We bought our lake home for rental purposes in the fall of 2001. We had been in the rental business in St. Paul for 18 years, and decided to try something a little more "fun".  We've annually rented cabins during our own vacations for the last 35 years, and we've experienced the gamut of extremes.  One summer we felt totally uninformed about a property we rented on the Whitefish Chain... ("This is the key to which cabin?)".  We remember feeling disappointed with the lack of privacy during a stay at another cabin... ("Is there another way to get to the lake other than walking through the middle of your family reunion?")  We've also experienced the joy of being happily surprised/impressed with our rentals... ("We really have all this to ourselves? Yee ha!").  I am happy to report that all of our"Hipp's Hideaway" guest feedback so far fits in the joyful category.

 WHY HAYWARD?  We were determined to invest in an area that would welcome us and our guests... The Hayward Lakes area fit the bill. It has lots of funky things to do & is committed to tourism, yet you can still maintain that feel of "getting away from it all". We looked at 31 properties in the area and were always drawn back to "The Cat".  The water clarity was superior to all other properties, even into the fall. My sons fell in love with the natural, varied woods and the abundance of critters both in the woods and in the water.  My husband and I loved the peaceful feeling that came over us whenever we were there. Our renters obviously get the same feeling... "The setting is very private and serene", has been noted by several guests.  One family boasted that it was "the most relaxing family vacation we've ever had...."  Another plus is that we are just a few short miles from the Birkie Trails & the Chequamegon National Forest.  We are 15 minutes from Hayward—a true tourist destination in itself.  There are 10 great golf courses and numerous great dining options nearby as well.

 LAKEHOME GENERALITIES... Currently, "Hipp's Hideaway" has 2200 square feet, so there will be plenty of room for your group.   (Up to 8... additional guest can be approved for special circumstances… grandma  & grandpa, etc.) There are 2 spacious family rooms -- each with its own fireplace, walk out deck and great island view.  Both decks have proven to be a popular spot to plunk down and enjoy the northwoods & lake views.  Our 20x40 foot lower deck (with its double porch swing, picnic tables and stacks of deck chairs) is a wonderful hangout area overlooking the lake.  The upper wrap-around deck has several vantage points to choose from while sipping your morning coffee or afternoon tea (etc.).  Great island view? Go to the north... Northwoods/sunrise view? Go to the east-facing portion of the deck!  Total seclusion?  Face south.... (West side  faces  only close neighbor and there are dozens of trees between houses.)  

      MAIN LEVEL... In addition to the two main bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level, you will also have a full kitchen which opens up into a great room.  There are pretty good pictures of this room, which includes an eat-in bar, dining area and a couple of hang out areas by the stone fireplace. Sleeping quarters on the main floor include a master bedroom with a queen log bed and  its own spacious bathroom complete with a walk in shower and separate oversized bathtub.  The guest bedroom on the main level also has a queen bed and is decorated with a "Tiger Cat" theme. Kids have nicknamed the big tiger "Richard".  The main bathroom is conveniently across the hall, which is a full bath with a tub/shower combination. 

     LOWER LEVEL... It was difficult to get good pictures depicting the lower “pine” level. A second family room is located on this level with hangout areas for watching movies, a gas fireplace, game area & built in bar. Its double glass sliding doors provide great outdoor views from all corners of this room.  (You walk out to an oversized deck area.  A stairway pours off this deck and leads to an upper AND lower/lakeside firepit/hangout area and double dock!)   To finish the lower level description in the house… we have a spacious bathroom, full laundry, and the third bedroom make up the rest of this floor. This bedroom is our “BEAR ROOM” with several stuffed bears to keep you company plus my favorite bear themed artwork from a cool local artist.  We personally built the QUEEN bunkbed for our kids-at-the-time … which was inspired from a similar bunkbeds set that we encountered during at vacation rental in the Troncones !   Need more space?   There is an old fashioned unbreakable double pullout couch  in the lower family room.  There is a foam mattress to toss on the floor – or on the pullout as well.    The couch is another comfy sleeping area. This  lower “rec’ room is where my family tends to hang out the most in the evenings.   If we are not out on the lower deck swing, we are curled up on one of the cushy couches with a fire, a good  movie, and some hot popcorn. We have a video library of 300+ "classic" titles, so chances are you will find a few you'd like to watch (or see again).  Or bring those old family videos you’ve been meaning to watch… Both DVD and “vintage” VCR tapes are in use !

THE AREA... Our 2 acre wooded lot is on the end of what we call Tiger Cat Cove.  It is surrounded by county land on two sides, the lake out front, and 4 other cabins to the west. There is one cabin on the peninsula off to the right as well.  There are hundreds of trees between cabins. This is a very quiet low-use area.   Our lake frontage is directly on 200 acre Tiger Cat Lake.   There is a sand bottom swimming area to the right of the docks  -- which was a NECESSITY when buying a place…  It is at the end of Tiger Cat  “Flowage” that connects the 6 lakes.  It is spring fed, river drained (ie. clear!) and connects to Lower Twin, Upper Twin, Lake Placid and Lake Burns.  There is a dam just around the peninsula and a stream that connects to Callahan and Mud Lakes. There is a cool "swimming “hole” with a tree swing.by the dam that is popular with renters  (See THE CHAIN  below). There are great places to hike and bike right from the cabin, too.  In fact, our area has been highlighted several times in "Biking the Northwoods" articles.  A scenic sparsely traveled 6 mile Tiger Cat Road  is a beautiful route with rolling hills.  

     SUMMER FUN:  Our sand bottom lake provides for good swimming.  We have maintained a nice  weed-free swimming area to the right of the dock.  It's a great place to grab a cold drink, sit on the dock or lakeside deck, and watch the “young ones” (or young at heart!)  play in the water.  Most groups with small kids said they spent a lot of time sitting on the edge of the dock with their feet in the water watching their kids play to the right of the dock. It has a nice sandy bottom, and fish and turtles often frolic there.  Fishing off the docks have reportedly been good!  We have 2 parallel docks -- a shorter 16' one for docking boats, and a longer 20' one with a loveseat bench next to the swimming area.  For swimming, it is generally ankle deep at the waters edge/end of the dock and it is about 5   feet deep at the end of the 20' dock.   This varies a bit year to year, but since the water level is controlled by the dam, it never gets too low or too high!  My kids and I love to jump off the dock and swim out to the island and back.  (If you go to the island please leave it as you found it as it belongs to the family who owns the peninsula.)  Bring a floatation device and a favorite beverage and float the afternoon away… Read on, as all the "Fall Fun" activities listed below are good in the summer, too! Stay to the right side of the dock… There’s a stump to the left side of the dock—so do not dive off  the end of the dock.  This is a “remnant” from the old logging days!   The stumps are one of the reasons the fishing is so good – so we embrace them as part of the history of the chain.    We have maintained a fish “crib” to the left of the docks towards the neighbors.  Turtles often sun themselves there, too. (See THE CHAIN below…)

       FALL FUN:  In the fall, Tiger Cat Cove is a scenic place to hang out.   We are right on "Fall Color Tour #1" so you "leaf watchers" can be assured that we are a great location to watch the changing colors.  The reflections off the water surpass the actual leaf colors due to the clarity of the water that continues through the fall.   The island trees hold their color until late into the season – so you can enjoy the fall colors from the deck til late October  or even November! Canoe & kayak enthusiasts will be in heaven on our waterways... bikers and hikers will have a repertoire of options sure to please.  Golfers will have a dozen scenic courses to choose from as well.  There are 100's of miles of ATV & mountain bike trails nearby ~  and of course the Birkie Trails....  We are a mere 5 miles from "getting in"!

     WINTER FUN:  Want to hole up and enjoy the northwoods in the winter?  Hipp's Hideaway is a great place to XC Ski, snowshoe, snowmobile (intersection of Trail # 18 & 14 go right by the island!), or just go for a walk on the lake or in the woods.  There are lighted night trails at Hatchery Creek Park nearby. Winter ATVing on the lake is also an option if the snow isn't too deep.  Warm up at one of two fireplaces indoors or the lakeside fire pit surrounded by woods.  Skip the cooking-- winter is a great time to check out our first rate dining options in the area!  Check out our guide with guest comments in the cabin.  Many close around 8 and weekday hours vary – so CALL FIRST!

     THE "CHAIN"...The Tiger Cat Flowage was a big attraction when purchasing the property.  Its chain of 6 lakes are all part of a man made “flowage” that was made to connect the lakes during the logging days of the early 1900’s.   It is spring fed from the northernmost corner of Upper Twin Lake and river drained at the dam is just around  peninsula to the west of our cabin,  which is why the water is so  fresh and clear year round.  Due to tannin in the leaves, the water has a slight brownish tint. The tree lined frontage along the entire chain provides a scenic backdrop for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and cross country skiing.  The interconnecting waterways between the lakes are a destination in themselves... I call them the "Wisconsin Everglades".  We also  have our own "mini-Itasca" ! The bottom of the dam marks the  starting point of the Upper Fork of the Chief River...(which eventually flows  into the mighty Mississippi).   Wherever you go, wildlife abound.... birds, squirrels, deer, turtles,  blue heron and loon make their habitat on the chain.  Occasionally we will see small bears foraging for food (they act more like chickens, though…and are not likely to be dangerous around people). And, of course... FISH!  Muskie and bass fishing were both great last year with some good walleye action as well.  (CATCH AND KEEP 5 northerns a day !  They tend to eat little muskies, so there is a push to control their numbers… ) There is decent fishing right off our dock.  If you'd like to venture out to fish or explore, there are two  canoes and a kayak available for your use!  (Kayak to the east portion of the lake at sunrise for an unforgettable morning greeting!)

    BOATS AVAILABLE... There are 2 CANOES,  1 KAYAK & 1 PADDLEBOAT at the cabin for your use!  (It would cost  $25+/day to rent any one of these elsewhere...) There are several lifejackets available, too.  See the list on our “TO BRING” list.

Boat rentals are available from several local vendors (Hayward Power Sports, Escapeonthelake.com, M&M Rentals etc.  Check online for options. )

 

  WHAT WE DON'T HAVE.... Here's a list of things we do not have, just to make sure there are no surprises:

1) Having a natural tree lined frontage means that we don't have a sandy shoreline. Instead you will see wild iris’, greenery and trees hanging over the water.  The sand bottom swimming area is great for small kids, however!  (Think “On the Lake & In the Woods   vs. “Beach House”). The water is clear, but is  slight  brownish in color from the tannin in the leaves – but always CLEAR (unlike some Minnesota lakes…) Bring floaties  for the older ones, or have them swim to the island! 

2)    Due to allergies and our rental management agreement with the neighbors, we do not allow pets or smoking.  Do not ask, please.  Even if they are small and cute. This rule is hard and fast.

3)    We also do not have a dishwasher.   Wash and drip dry or use for talk time ! (It’s hard to dry dishes and use cell phone at same timeJ )

4) Our "cabin"  is not level with the lake ("moderate elevation" is the official term).  You will have to descend down 35 steps to get to the lakeside “hangout” area where there is another  firepit and deck with 5 more steps down to the dock.  They are meandering steps  (not steep).  See photos.

5)     We do have Wifi, but it is “up north” slow.   We do not get a TV signal.  However -- we do have over 300 classic and “other” movies to entertain you in your breaks from the outdoors.

6) Cell phone signals are not reliable in our location either.  However, you usually can  get one by going out on the deck, the dock, or  driving “out” a couple of miles to a clearing or going out to the middle of the lake.  There IS a phone in the cabin you are welcome to use. Please bring a long distance calling card number for your long distance calls or leave some cash to cover them.

 

       We do all our bookings via VRBO/ Homeaway now…. See our sample rental agreement. Upon booking I will send you directions.   Our aim is to provide everything you need on your vaycay except for food and disposable items.  There will be a starter pack of coffee/ filters/ soaps/ paper towels.  We provide all towels and linens.  The "Provided and To Bring"  list is pretty detailed, but in a nutshell ~  in addition to packing your clothing & food,  you will need to bring any  personal bathroom items needed: soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, beach towels, etc.  We provide  basic shampoos, soaps, lotion, shower towels, hand towels, washclothes &  toilet paper.  For the kitchen, in addition to your food  you will  need to bring all disposable kitchen items (paper towels, plastic bags, dishsoap, napkins, etc.).  All bedroom linens and bath & kitchen  towels are provided.  The "To Bring" list is attached  and also  includes a detailed list of what we have in the kitchen and other rooms.

 For local HAYWARD Area  TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, go to www.haywardlakes.com!

      There are tons of options available if you want them.  Take in the entertaining Lumberjack Show,  climb the 3 Story Muskie,  plus visit a dozen antique stores, the world-famous fudge shop, and the quaint downtown.  The Casino is within 10 miles. And  of course the restaurants.... the golf… the hiking/biking/ATV/snowmobile trails…

 If you have questions or need personal direction, let me know! 

 Happy Vacation Planning,

  Shawn Hipp , Owner

 Email  CSCRHipp@ aol.com

Hipp’s Hideaway  on Tiger Cat Cove

Shawn's CELL Number  (651) 263-7034

 

   ***** WEEKLY RATES ONLY IN SUMMER****  

*** FRIDAY > FRIDAY  DATES  ONLY IN SUMMER***

         ( Open Calendar Fall/Winter/Spring :)                                                                  

Summer  Rates:   $2100 week (up to 8 people)

Up to 8 if …   This is a quiet cove and we need to blend in :) 

 All rentals are “Partial Clean” where you pick up after yourselves.  We wash bedding  and clean bathrooms & kitchens…

 

RENTAL AGREEMENT  ~ ~ ~    Hipp’s Hideaway On Tiger Cat Cove

11112 Tiger Cat Dam Road, Hayward, Wisconsin      Cabin Phone (715) 462-3985

 

Rental Agreement between Shawn Hipp and   ____________________________

Dates                                   # of                  # Of Guests       Rental   

Held:_____________         Nights=____     Up to _______  Amount= ______________

                                                         

Check In Date & Time= ___________ Check Out Date & Time=__________________

Deposit Return/Damage Agreement:  Any charges for damages/key loss/extra cleaning will be applied to your deposit, and any damages beyond the deposit amount are the responsibility of the renter.  Renters agree to pay for any damages that are not considered normal wear and tear (such as broken windows, carpet stains requiring professional treatment, mattress damage, etc.).  Plastic mattress pads are available if anyone in your group should need one.  If the cabin is left in good condition and the keys are returned properly, deposit checks will be shredded.

Key Pickup and Check In:   We will make key arrangements upon full payment and receipt of the deposit.  we will hide the key for you outside the cabin.  In the peak summer months, we cannot accommodate early check in times or late check out times. Check-In is 5pm and Check-Out is at 10am.  Unplug security camera when you arrive, and plug it in again when you leave. During the fall/winter/spring seasons we would be happy to accommodate other arrival and departure times if we can.  Return the key to the same spot you found it before departing.

 “Partial Clean” Duties:  After your stay WE will change all bedding,  wash kitchen towel/dishcloths, re-sanitize the bathroom and kitchen areas as well as door knobs, cabinets, tables, chairs and couches (any touchable area).  We will pick up your garbage from inside the shed. (Please bag carefully as we take away your trash in our cars J). It is assumed that other than the above you will “leave it as you found it”.  Your cleaning responsibilities include general pickup, wiping surfaces used,  putting trash & recyclables in the shed, locking all doors, plugging in security camera,  and leaving the keys.  If we need to do extra/deep cleaning after your stay, we will apply the charges.  To Bring List:  A “To Bring” list will be provided -- which also includes a detailed list of what is provided at the cabin.  You will need to provide your own beach towels  & disposables needed for kitchen/meals.

SMOKING AND PETS:  Due to family allergies and neighbor agreements, we do not allow smoking or pets. Please do not sneak one in.  You will lose your deposit and be reported to VRBO.

BOATS:  If you are bringing a boat you will need to provide your own insurance. Our insurance does not cover damage to boats (or cars). There is a boat launch just beyond our driveway.

REPAIRS/MAINTENACE  Renters agree to allow owners, property managers, or maintenance workers on the property if needed.  All efforts will be made to make these rare occasions as unobtrusive as possible. 

 

_______________DATE:                          ___________________DATE:

Shawn Hipp, Owner                                   Renter’s Signature

Owner Phone (651) 483-4937                     Renter Phone:

Owner Email CSCRHipp@aol.com             Renter Email:

                                                                                          

Home Address:                                          Renter Mailing Address:

2885 Centerville Road

St. Paul, MN 55117   

 

LIST OF THINGS NEEDED AND PROVIDED @  Hipp’s Hideaway

Room/Area              Needed:                           Provided:

BEDROOMS                   Clothes                      Linens, blankets, pillows

BATHROOMS                 Beach Towel             Towels                                                      

                                        Personal Items          Soaps

KITCHEN                   Food & Drink, Coffee        Coffee Filters                                    

(no dishwasher)                     Paper Towels, Napkins       Roll of paper towels to get you started

                                                                               7 kitchen towels/washcloths

Appliances:                           Dish soap                 Dishes (Set of 10) & Silverware

Microwave                            Foil, Bags                  2 dozen glasses, & knives

Pancake Grill                        Paper plates if desired              Tupperware & Serving Bowls                  

Toaster                                                                              Pots:3,5,12 & 12+ Sizes, Utensils                                                                         Variety of utensils provided !

Blender                                                                           Pans: Stovetop set, Cake, Pizza

Hand Mixer                                                                     Cookie Sheets & Muffin  Tin

Full Size Refrigerator/Stove                                            Ice if needed

First Aid Kit (Drawer in Main Bathroom)                                                              FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Kitchen Closet)

                                                     Flashlights                      Flashlights for power emergencies

Telephone                Long Distance Calling Card/#    (Can call the Hipp’s on cabin long distance)

On Deck: GAS GRILL                                                    Grill Utensils (Extra propane tank in shed)

 

FIREPLACES/PITS:                Bring own firewood ! Buy locally   (Some provided…)

                                                  Matches if needed… short burning firelogs preferred.

LOWER LEVEL

 TV w/ VCR & DVD                  VHS, DVD’s or Home Movies       300+ Movies! 

                                                (Note: No TV  signal)                      

  WASHER & DRYER               Laundry Soap                        Some…                              

                                                                                                          

Foosball Table & games             Games, Puzzles, Etc.           Several games, Darts & puzzles

                                                                                            +A thousand  little plastic army men…J

Lifejackets and Paddles                Personal life jackets                 7+ Life Jackets

LIST OF THINGS NEEDED AND PROVIDED @  Hipp’s Hideaway

Room/Area              Needed:                           Provided:

BEDROOMS                   Clothes                      Linens, blankets, pillows

BATHROOMS                 Beach Towel             Towels                                                      

                                        Personal Items          Soaps

KITCHEN                   Food & Drink, Coffee        Coffee Filters                                    

(no dishwasher)                     Paper Towels, Napkins       Roll of paper towels to get you started

                                                                               7 kitchen towels/washcloths

Appliances:                           Dish soap                 Dishes (Set of 10) & Silverware

Microwave                            Foil, Bags                  2 dozen glasses, & knives

Pancake Grill                        Paper plates if desired              Tupperware & Serving Bowls                  

Toaster                                                                              Pots:3,5,12 & 12+ Sizes, Utensils                                                                         Variety of utensils provided !

Blender                                                                           Pans: Stovetop set, Cake, Pizza

Hand Mixer                                                                     Cookie Sheets & Muffin  Tin

Full Size Refrigerator/Stove                                            Ice if needed

First Aid Kit (Drawer in Main Bathroom)                                                              FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Kitchen Closet)

                                                     Flashlights                      Flashlights for power emergencies

Telephone                Long Distance Calling Card/#    (Can call the Hipp’s on cabin long distance)

On Deck: GAS GRILL                                                    Grill Utensils (Extra propane tank in shed)

 

FIREPLACES/PITS:                Bring own firewood ! Buy locally   (Some provided…)

                                                  Matches if needed… short burning firelogs preferred.

LOWER LEVEL

 TV w/ VCR & DVD                  VHS, DVD’s or Home Movies       300+ Movies! 

                                                (Note: No TV  signal)                      

  WASHER & DRYER               Laundry Soap                        Some…                              

                                                                                                          

Foosball Table & games             Games, Puzzles, Etc.           Several games, Darts & puzzles

                                                                                            +A thousand  little plastic army men…J

Lifejackets and Paddles                Personal life jackets                 7+ Life Jackets

Room/Area

Needed:

Provided: